Newport Centre

November 12^th

The Zutons wagon is a definite “five wheel drive” vehicle and tonight is a fine display of sheer professionalism and talent from all aboard, despite a slightly tame Newport audience.

Not surprisingly, entering the hall there seemed to be a definite look of uneven amongst the crowd as the area to the right hand side of stage seemed to be considerably busy considering the space available in the hall, only when I realised the Saxophone mics amongst the madness the whole situation become clear.  A heavy blue theatrical curtain flogged the stage and a change in lighting transferred the murmurs into a warm reception as the Liverpudlians took stage and jumped head first into set opener “Why wont you give me your love”, off the band’s second album “Tired of Hanging Around” album cover of which providing the back drop for the evening’s entertainment.

Despite an uplifting, “Don’t ever think” an improvised “Dirty dance hall” and a band with so much charisma and charm it’s almost impossible not to like, the Newport crowd just couldn’t seem to forget the fact they had work in the morning and enjoy themselves. Not even the jangle of “Oh Stacey!” could seem to lift the crowd and it wasn’t long before The Zutons front man David McCabe felt it necessary to encourage everyone to join in, “you are all Welsh aren’t you?”. After the Egyptian beat explosion “Zutonkhaarmuun” that saw McCabe aid drummer Sean Payne with additional percussion that shook the false teeth of the old roadie looking guy dancing by the side of us like he was the last man standing in the stone circle after a healthy weekend in Glastonbury, the band exit the stage to make way for a double bass and another drum kit.

Crowded into a small section of the stage The Zutons guide us through the softer side of the band with songs like “Roaring Fury” “Moons and Horror Shows” to name but a few. Not only did McCabe have a slightly subdued audience to deal with the feedback his wood finish Stratocaster was throwing out from time to time seem to add to McCabe’s problems but like the true professionals they are a roaring “Tired Of Hanging Around” seemed to spark some life into the Sunday service. The harmonies struck between McCabe and Abi Harding the band’s saxophonist in “You’ve Got A Friend” shows this is a woman with more than just a pretty face and the ability to confirm the Saxophone as one of the most desirable instruments in music. Just before the band launch into “You Will You Won’t” drummer Sean asks, “so how many of you have to get up for work in the morning then?” a show of hands means most of the hall so a “side show bob” looking Sean wants everyone to join in so we can have a good time. 

Still not quite meeting the well earned expectations of the band they retire only to come back out fighting with an electric “Zuton Fever” and finally a break through comes in the shape of the much loved extended version of “Valerie”. I must say a performance of this standard deserves so much more and I think if this was on a Saturday night and in venue where you could take your pint into the arena they would have had more, much more.

by Neil

Set List

Why Won’t You Give Me Your Love

Don’t Ever Think

Dirty Dance Hall - jam

Oh Stacey!

How does it feel?

It’s The Little Things – jam

Pressure Point

Zutonkhaarmuun

Roaring Fury

Moons & Horror Shows

Confusion

Remember Me

Tired Of Hanging Around

Hello Conscience

Havana Gang Brawl

You’ve Got A friend

You Will You Won’t – jam

Zuton Fever

Valerie - extended